Chew on This: Restaurant News

Making the list

Congratulations are in order as The Macintosh was named to Bon Appetit’s highly coveted 50 Best New Restaurants of 2012 list.

This selective list of America’s latest restaurant success stories is known by foodies, restaurateurs and chefs the world over to be a gold standard in the industry.

Check out the list in the latest issue or online at www.bonappetit.com.

And definitely make sure to check out chef Jeremiah Bacon’s work at The Macintosh, 479 King St. Call 789-4299 or go to www.themacintoshcharleston.com for more information.

Butcherblock events

Charleston’s neighborhood butcher shop and gourmet market, Ted’s Butcherblock, is happy to welcome new team member Brian Parkhurst, who joined Ted’s in May as chef. Parkhurst is responsible for managing the kitchen, planning catering and special event menus, and crafting the dishes for Ted’s daily menus. Originally from Illinois, Parkhurst moved to Charleston to attend Johnson & Wales University, where he developed friendships with many of Charleston’s culinary leaders. He began his Charleston professional cooking career in 2001 with a three-year stint at Peninsula Grill. Parkhurst has held posts at Mercato, Al di La, Fulton Five and most recently worked as sous chef at Cru Catering.

Later this month, Ted’s Butcherblock, 334 East Bay St., will host a weekend of special events to celebrate the birthday of new chef Parkhurst. Ted’s will kick off Parkhurst’s birthday weekend Aug. 31 with a special Friday Night Pig Pickin’, featuring a whole hog from the Update Farmers’ Alliance. Guests are invited to drop by beginning at 5 p.m. to wish Parkhurst a happy start to his birthday weekend and dine on pork slow-cooked in the Cana China roasting box. All-you-can-eat plates, including sides, will be available for $16. The celebration continues at 10 a.m. Sept. 1, with Ted’s first-ever Cask Beer Breakfast, featuring Citrus Ninja, a citrus-infused IPA created exclusively by the Charleston Beer Exchange and brewed by Westbrook Brewing, paired with a special brunch menu designed by Parkhurst himself. Pints of Citrus Ninja will be available for $5, and the breakfast menu, which is served a la carte, features items such as country-fried duck breast biscuit with sunny-side duck egg, cheddar cheese and red-eye gravy. The full breakfast menu can be viewed online at www.tedsbutcherblock.com. No reservations are required for either birthday weekend event. For more information about Ted’s Butcherblock, call 577-009.

Ted’s Butcherblock is spicing up its routine with two new regular weekly specials. The first is Ultimate Burger Saturdays, which will feature a different handcrafted burger each Saturday starting at noon. Ted’s is also introducing “The Big Sandwich,” available every Wednesday. Slices of a 42-inch baguette layered with the flavors of a classic Italian sub will be on the Wednesday menu at lunch for $11, which includes a side. Both of these weekly special will be available in limited quantities.

One of the signature sandwiches at Ted’s Butcherblock made it onto the Food Network’s list of best sandwiches from each of the 50 States. Check it out at www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/50-states-50-sandwiches/package/index.html.

Closing

The Starfish Grille, 520 Folly Road, which recently opened with new owners in May, is now closing. The owners are set to pursue other ventures.

Hiatus for Iacofano’s

Iacofano’s Italian Bar & Grill, 626 Coleman Blvd., has closed for a renovation and menu rehab. Owner John Iacofano’s plans a late August re-opening. Catering services are still available.

Lunch while learning

Try lunch, or dinner, at 24 North Market, the student-run restaurant at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Charleston, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta.

Students in their final quarters in the culinary programs handle kitchen duties and front of house hospitality under the watchful eye of the faculty, and the public can come sample the delicious results.

24 North Market is open for lunch 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday.

The three-course lunch is $12 including tax and beverage. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. To reserve, call 727-3500 or email 24northmarket@aii.edu.

Flavors of the Pampas

An Argentinian wine dinner will take place Friday at Laura Alberts on Daniel Island.

The menu will be four courses of Argentinian fare by executive chef Matt Brigham paired with wines from the region.

A wine reception will begin at 7 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m.

Cost is $55, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations required, so call 881-4711.

Laura Alberts Tasteful Options is at 891 Island Park Drive. Find out more at www.lauraalberts.com.

Crab dinner

It’s time again for the Old Village Post House annual Crab and Wine Dinner. Taking place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Aug. 23, chefs Frank Lee and Forrest Parker will create a crab-focused menu featuring a variety of species.

Reservations are required. Call 388-8935 to reserve your spot. The dinner is $65, plus tax and gratuity.

The Old Village Post House is at 101 Pitt St., Mount Pleasant. For more information, go to www.maverick southernkitchens.com.

New owners

Tomatoes on Trolley Road in Summerville has new owners and is now called Roma Tomatoes. The restaurant is at 717 Trolley Road. Call 873-9339.

Second spot

Gennaro’s has opened a second location at 1280 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.

The first location is on Dorchester Road in North Charleston. Call 225-2923 or go to gennarositalian.com.

Taste of Glass Onion

Chefs and owners Chris Stewart and Sarah O’Kelley have launched Belle’s Country Sausage Links and Thunder Sauce (the seasoning that makes you “relish” their deviled eggs) so the flavors of the Glass Onion can be yours at home. Check out Ilovetheglassonion.com or call 225-1717 for details.